He is still a kid, learning his trade and as a result he will be inconsistent. He is a special kid though and his talent is unquestionable. His attitude and work rate are top class so when he is on the periphery of games he is still involved in different ways. When you are part of a team you sometimes have to sacrifice a little of yourself for the good of the collective. Against Brentford he worked hard, kept pressing and reduced their ability to keep the ball which increased the pressure on them. That allowed other players to shine. He is not playing badly, he is playing a tole that is vital to how we play and that he is entrusted to play such a role at such a tender age is a real feather cap in his cap. As fans we might want to see the swashbuckling Foden every week, but only the very greatest ever achieve that and do so as they reach their peak which is usually around 27 years old. Phil is years away from his peak and playing different roles will all add to his understanding of the game, I want him to the complete player at 27 not just a player who is good on the left. Pep's teachings will help him achieve that as long as he continues to show the right attitude and work rate.
Also remember when we go to work, we have bad days, we are not brilliant at our jobs every day because we are not robots. We are human beings with lives outside our work, we have families and friends and outside interests. Just because Phil is a footballer it does not mean all the issues we face every day do not apply to him.
